Dell slims down the Alienware 15 and 17, refreshes XPS 13

Dell has unveiled some significant updates for its high-end Alienware and XPS laptop ranges. There are no new systems on offer here, but rather a focus on refining existing heavyweights, slimming down machine thickness and bezel size while keeping the internals bang up to date.

Like last year’s Alienware 13 release, Dell is focusing on increasing the portability of its gaming notebooks, slimming down both the Alienware 15 and 17 models by 20 percent. Thankfully, the refined design hasn’t impacted the power of the systems, each of which can be configured with either an Intel Core i5 or i7 processor, with up to a Nvidia GTX 980M graphics card on offer.

Both laptops are compatible with the company’s Graphics Amplifier – an accessory that allows users to plug a full-size desktop GPU into their notebook.

The new Alienware 15 and 17 laptops are available today, with prices starting at US$1,200 and $1,500 respectively.

In addition to the updated gaming systems, the company has also upgraded its 15.6-inch XPS 15 laptop with a new UltraSharp 4K touch panel, but it's the 13.3-inch XPS 13 that's received the most notable refresh.

The company has slimmed down the XPS 13's display bezel to just 5.2 mm (0.2 in) around the top and sides, making for a near-borderless viewing experience. The panel can be configured with either a standard 1,920 x 1,080 display or a resolution of 3,200 x 1,800, with the latter offering an impressive 276 pixels per inch (PPI).

Inside the new notebook, there's a choice of 5th generation Intel Core i3, i5 or i7 processors, combined with up to 256 GB of solid state storage and either 4 or 8 GB of RAM. The machine weighs in at 2.6 lb (1.18 kg) and measures 0.6 in (15 mm) at its thickest point.

Prices for the XPS 13 range from $800 to $1,600 depending on configuration, and it’s available for order right now. Dell is yet to announce a release date for the upgraded XPS 15.